How to Turn on Xiaomi’s Fitness Watch: From Charging to First Synchronization

The first inclusion of Xiaomi fitness watches: where to start

Buy a new Xiaomi fitness watch and do not know how to start them correctly? Don’t rush to press all the buttons in a row – the wrong sequence of actions can lead to synchronization failures or even locking the device. In this article, we will analyze Step-by-step how to turn on watches of different series (Mi Band, Amazfit, Xiaomi Watch), avoiding typical errors.

The main problem for beginners is to try to turn on the device without pre-charging. The minimum charge level for the first run must be at least 20%, otherwise the watch can go into deep discharge mode, which will require special manipulations to restore, and many forget that to fully work you need not only to physically turn on the gadget, but also to link it to your Mi Account account through the official application.

Step 1: Verification of completeness and preparation for inclusion

Before you first turn on, make sure that the box has everything you need. Xiaomi’s standard fitness watch includes:

• 📦 The watch itself (in protective film)
• 🔌 Charging cable (magnetic or clamped)
• 📄 Short instructions (often in several languages, but without details)
• 🔋 Sometimes - spare strap (in premium models)

The absence of at least one element is an excuse to go to the store. Charging cable is especially critical: the original Xiaomi cables have special contacts to identify the device, and using non-original ones can damage the battery.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought a watch with your hands, be sure to reset to factory settings (Settings) → System system → Previous owner could have linked the device to their account, which will block you from accessing the features.

Also check:

• 🔍 Integrity of the body (cracks, chips)
• 🔋 State of charging contacts (not bent, not oxidized)
• 📱 Compatible with your smartphone (OS: Android 6.0 supported)+ or iOS 10.0+)

Step 2: Charge before first activation

Even if the watch shows some level of charge out of the box, the first turn on is recommended after 10-15 minutes of charging, which is due to the peculiarities of lithium polymer batteries, which can lose capacity when deep discharge.

How to charge correctly:

1. Connect the magnetic cable to the clock (a click or vibration should be heard).
2. Connect the other end of the cable to USB-adapter 5V/1A (Quick Charges are not recommended!).
3. The charge indicator (battery icon) should appear on the screen, and if it is not available, check the density of the cable.

⚠️ Warning: If the watch does not respond to charging for more than 30 minutes, try another cable or adapter. There may be a problem with the power controller - in this case, you will need a service center.

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To speed up the first charge, disconnect the watch from the smartphone (if it has already been turned on) – this will reduce power consumption by 30-40%.

Step 3: Physically Including the Watch

After the minimum charge, you can start to turn on.

For the Mi Band (all generations):

1. Press and hold the touch button (under the screen) for 5-7 seconds.
2. Wait for the vibration and the appearance of the Mi logo.
3. Release the button and the system will start to boot (~30 seconds).

For the Amazfit and Xiaomi Watch:

1. Press the physical button (right on the body) for 10-12 seconds.
2. The load animation will appear on the screen (circular indicator).
3. If the watch does not react, connect it to the charger and try again.

Charge the watch for at least 15 minutes |

Check the density of the charging cable |

Use the original cable |

Turn off fast charging (if you use an adapter with QC)|

Press the switch on 5-10 seconds-->

If the clock is not switched on:

• 🔋 Check the charge (the battery may be completely discharged).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port.
• 📱 Make sure the temperature of the clock is within 0.°S...+45°C (at low temperatures, lithium-ion batteries do not work).

Step 4: Install and configure the Mi Fitness app

Xiaomi fitness watches don’t work autonomously – you need the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) to be fully used.

• 🤖 Google Play for Android)
• 🍎 App Store (for iOS)

After installation:

1. Register or sign in to Mi Account (required!).
2. Click Profile → Add the device.
3. Select your watch model from the list.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (allow access to notifications, geolocation, contacts).

Important settings after binding:

• ⏰ Set the correct time and time zone (automatically or manually).
• 📊 Set goals for steps, sleep and activities.
• 🔔 Enable Call and Message Notifications (Notifications section).
• 🔒 Activate the screen lock (PIN-code-in-arm).

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Without being tied to Mi Fitness, the watch will only work as a pedometer and an alarm clock – all advanced features (pulse, stress, weather) require synchronization with a smartphone.

Step 5: First synchronization and firmware update

Once linked to an account, the watch automatically syncs data, which can take 5-15 minutes depending on the model, and don't interrupt the sync, which can cause data loss or sensor failures.

Firmware update:

1. Open Mi Fitness → Profile → Your device.
2. Click Firmware Update (if available).
3. Make sure the clock is >50% charged and connected to Wi-Fi.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

What the update does:

• 🩺 Correction of sensor errors (pulse, SpO₂).
• ⚡ Optimizing energy consumption (increasing operating time).
• 🎨 New dials and features (e.g., stress tracking in Mi Band 8).

⚠️ Warning: If the watch is out or out of service during the upgrade, plug it into charging and wait for the automatic continuation.

Step 6: Set up the basic functions

After successful switching on and synchronization, we will configure the key parameters:

Activity tracking:

• 🏃 Enable automatic walking/running recognition (Settings) → Activity).
• 🚶 Set a daily goal by steps (recommended) 8000-10000).
• 💤 Set up sleep monitoring (turn on a Smart Alarm to wake up in the light sleep phase).

Notifications:

• 📱 Allow access to contacts and SMS smartphone-setting.
• 🔔 In Mi Fitness, select apps that will duplicate notifications on the watch.
• 📵 Set up Do Not Disturb during sleep or appointments.

Safety:

• 🔐 Install. PIN-code to unlock the clock (Settings) → Lock screen).
• 📍 Turn on the Device Search function (the clock will vibrate when you lose communication with your smartphone).
• 🆘 Set up an emergency contact (some models have a call available) SOS five-stroke).

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To save charge, turn off constant heart rate monitoring (Settings → Heart → Measurement Frequency → Manual) and increase your operating time by 20-30%.

Frequent mistakes and their solution

Even when you turn on correctly, users are faced with typical problems.

If none of the methods helped, reset to factory settings:

1. In Mi Fitness, go to Profile → Your Device → Reset.
2. Confirm the action (the clock will reset).
3. After resetting, re-tie the clock.

⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all data from the clock (steps, sleep, exercise) If you need to save statistics, export it to Mi Fitness first. → Data data → Exports.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions